Lori Vallow Daybell: Idaho cult mom sentenced to life for murdering her two children, appeals her conviction
BOISE, IDAHO: Lori Vallow Daybell, the infamous Idaho 'cult mom' who is going to spend the rest of her life behind bars for claiming the lives of her two children and conspiring to kill her husband's first wife, has reportedly appealed her conviction, according to court documents.
According to the New York Post, Daybell’s attorney filed a notice of appeal with the Idaho Supreme Court last week which states multiple alleged issues with the killer's conviction, including her mental competency, the opening statement made by prosecutors to the jury, amendments to the grand jury indictment, and her right to a speedy trial.
Lori Vallow Daybell has been booked into prison. pic.twitter.com/OD3OQTS4Ar
— Nate Eaton (@NateNewsNow) August 1, 2023
What was Lori Vallow Daybell convicted of?
Daybell was found guilty of murdering her two children, Joshua "JJ" Vallow, seven, and Tylee Ryan, 16, in May and conspiring to murder her fifth husband's first wife, Tammy Daybell.
The seven-week-long trial where dozens of witnesses testified, ended with the 50-year-old mother being convicted on two counts of murder, three counts of conspiracy to commit murder and one count of grand theft.
Her fifth husband, Chad Daybell, was also charged in connection with the deaths of the children. He has pleaded not guilty and will go to trial next year.
A big day for true crime: both Lori Vallow and Alex Murdaugh- convicted family murderers- back in the spotlight as their defense teams file appeals.
— Briana Whitney (@BrianaWhitney) September 6, 2023
𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰: issues of competency, speedy trial rights, evidence
𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡: allegations of court clerk jury tampering &… pic.twitter.com/BLzymhynva
Chad Daybell married Lori Vallow Daybell two weeks after reporting the death of his then-wife
In 2019, JJ and Tylee disappeared and were reported missing by JJ's out-of-state grandparents Kay and Larry Woodcock who called authorities in November of that year.
On October 19, 2019, Chad reported the death of his then-wife Tammy Daybell and tied the knot to Lori in Hawaii two weeks later on November 5.
Tragically, the bodies of JJ and Tylee were discovered on Chad’s property in Idaho on June 9, 2020.
Especially now being a mother I do not understand how you could kill your children in such a heinous unspeakable way and then try and get rid of their bodies the way she did. It’s hard to even wrap your mind around. Rest in peace J.J. Vallow and Tylee Ryan💔 pic.twitter.com/DBrafeWdfA
— Kendall Rae (@KendallRaeOnYT) April 14, 2023
How did JJ and Tylee die?
Fremont County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Blake declared that Tammy's cause of death was asphyxiation during opening statements at the trial. JJ's cause of death was also revealed to be asphyxiation.
Several witnesses, including the cult mother's surviving son, Colby Ryan, and her sister, Summer Cox Shiflet took the stand.
Colby talked about his mother and how she supported her children, adding that he loved her during his childhood and never imagined she could harm anyone, until Chad came into her life.
"My mom has spent her whole life protecting us kids," Colby said on the stand, adding, "After she met Chad Daybell, she changed."
What did JJ's grandfather say?
JJ's grandfather, Larry Woodcock, made a statement outside of the courthouse after the verdict was read.
"I want to thank 18 jurors; I cannot thank them enough," Woodcock said according to Court TV.
"I want to personally thank and I want to personally hug every one of those jurors. What they went through and what they saw is mind-boggling. I hope nobody ever has to go through this. I hope no one has to hear the details of what happened to JJ, Tylee and Tammy [Daybell]."
He added, "The next trial is Chad [Daybell], and I look forward to being back in this courthouse if that happens.”